Head to Head

Thanks to the wonders of packaging, a small crossover doesn't mean a compromised package. The dimensions of these vehicles may be small but the space offered inside may surprise you. For this week's head to head, we have two B- segment SUVs that fit the bill with the Honda BR-V and Ssangyong Tivoli XLV.

This week's head to head pits two small but commodious crossovers with the Honda BR-V and Ssangyong Tivoli XLV. Let's take a closer look at what these cars have to offer, starting with the engine

We begin with the Honda BR-V with its lone engine choice. It is the trusty 1.5-liter i-VTEC engine which is shared with the City, Jazz and Mobilio. Figures for this engine is rated at 120 PS and 145 Nm of torque. Power is transferred to front wheels and shifts via a continuously variable transmission or CVT. To make the most out of its power, the CVT also comes with a seven-speed manual mode.

The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV also comes with just one engine choice only. It gets motivation via a 1.6-liter turbodiesel engine that produces 113 PS and 300 Nm of torque. Ssangyong's crossover also benefits from all-wheel drive in the top of the line model and shifts with a six-speed automatic transmission, in all variants.

Looking at the underchassis, the two are also different. The Tivoli XLV uses struts at the front and the rear comes with a multi-link set up to accommodate the all-wheel drive system. Being two wheel drive only, the BR-V utilizes MacPherson struts at the front while the rear uses a torsion beam.

Inside, the Tivoli XLV follows a more angular approach for its interior. Upright air-conditioning vents and a wraparound dash are seen at the front. It too features automatic climate climate control, as well as steering wheel mounted controls. In the entry-level model, the interior is a gray and black affair while the top-spec variant gets black and red trim. Also present is a multi-information display in the instrument cluster to show vehicle status such as fuel economy, range, and distance travelled.

Moving to the BR-V, its dashboard is lifted from the Honda Jazz, as well as other switches and interior panels. The BR-V also comes with a steering wheel adjuster for height. Along with that, all variants of the BR-V come with automatic climate control, a touchscreen and second-row air-conditioning. Entry-level models get fabric seats while the top-spec trim level gets leather. Like the Ssangyong, it too comes with a multi-information display to show vehicle status.

The BR-V also benefits from having third-row seats. It is stowed through a flip-forward mechanism that requires you to hook it to the rear head rests. To set up the seats, unhook the seat downwards and adjust each back rest to the preferred position. As a bonus, the second-row slides fore and aft for more legroom in the third row.

In the Ssangyong, infotainment is provided by a touchscreen with Android technology. This system allows you to pair your mobile device through Bluetooth or via smartphone connection. As a plus, there is also a navigation system. Other applications, such as a web browser are also available, as well as internet connectivity via the smartphone's hotspot ability.

Moving to the BR-V, both entry-level and top-spec variants get a touchscreen with the latter gaining a navigation system. Smartphones can be synced through Bluetooth or cable and the range topper gets an HDMI port as well. The infotainment in the Honda also includes a menu for vehicle status.

Now, on to their exteriors. The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV features a narrow grille, complemented by a pair of large, upswept headlights with integrated daytime running lights. It to its side, it has a flat roofline and has a blacked out A-pillar, giving it a sporty look. Towards the rear, it has large tail lights and an integrated tailgate spoiler.

Moving to the Honda BR-V, slim, wraparound headlights and Honda's signature "Solid Wing Face" fascia dominate the front section. All variants also come with a pair of fog lights, along with mirror mounted turn signals for extra visibility. A pair of roof rails also boosts the SUV's practicality. At the rear, it has C-shaped tail lights that are connected by a reflective strip.

When it comes to safety, the Ssangyong Tivoli XLV is equipped with an anti-lock braking system with electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, dual front airbags and a rear-view camera. The Honda meanwhile also gets these features but with the addition of side airbags and vehicle stability control on the top of the line model.

The Ssangyong Tivoli XLV range has two variants available. It starts with the EXD 2WD and moves up to the ELX AWD. Prices range from Php 1,080,000 to Php 1,245,000. Meanwhile, the BR-V has four variants on offer, starting with the 1.5 S CVT and moves up to the 1.5 S Modulo CVT. After that, it's the 1.5 V Navi CVT with the 1.5 V Navi CVT Modulo serving as the top-spec model. Prices range from Php 989,000 to Php 1,185,000.